Greenford Quay

Greenford Quay is a pioneering mixed-use development spanning 26 acres in Ealing, West London. Spearheaded by Greystar, it is the UK’s first large-scale, purpose-built rental community, transforming the former GlaxoSmithKline and Sunblest Bakery sites into a vibrant neighbourhood along the Grand Union Canal.

This development harmoniously blends residential, retail, and communal spaces, creating a dynamic living environment.

HTA’s master plan set out to deliver 2,188 high-quality homes comprising rental, private, and affordable housing. The project also features 130,000 sq ft of commercial and community space, providing essential amenities for residents and local visitors.

New infrastructure, including the reopening of Berkeley Avenue and a pedestrian bridge over the Grand Union Canal, enhances accessibility and encourages community interaction. This integration involved raising the canal bank on the south side during site levelling, allowing for the creation of amphitheatre seating that steps down to the water’s edge, designed for outdoor cinema and theatre performances.

Project
Greenford Quay
Location
Ealing
Contractor
Maylim, Valley Provincial
Landscape Architect
HTA Design

Greystar has prioritised sustainability through innovative construction methods. Partnering with Tide Construction, the project employed modular construction techniques, resulting in:

  • Reduction in Site Traffic and Waste: Construction site traffic and waste were reduced by 80%, significantly minimising the environmental footprint.
  • Lower Carbon Emissions: A study by Heriot-Watt University indicated improvements across all ten environmental indicators, leading to an overall reduction of over 26,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
  • Landscaping and Green Infrastructure: GreenBlue Urban played a crucial role in the landscaping of Greenford Quay by supplying various products designed to support urban tree growth and sustainability:
  • RootSpace 400: This system ensures trees have the necessary space for root development, enhancing their longevity and health.
  • ArborVents 150: Designed to improve air and water access to tree roots, ArborVents help maintain optimal growing conditions.
  • RootDirectors and Underground Guying: These technologies support healthy root growth while stabilising young trees, ensuring they thrive in an urban setting.

Greenford Quay is designed to foster community engagement and connection. The development emphasises creating spaces for social interaction, providing amenities that cater to diverse needs, and encouraging local involvement.

“Working on the Greenford Quay master plan has been a rewarding journey. As one of the first purpose-designed multi-phased developments in Build-to-Rent, it presented several new challenges in planning, placemaking, and delivery.

Adopting modular construction methods has been key in accelerating delivery. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with various stakeholders to revitalise this once-forgotten part of the community”.

“Greenford Quay is more than a place; it’s a neighbourhood.” – Dan Thompson, Managing Director – Development at Greystar

Greenford Quay exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban development, integrating sustainable practices, community engagement, and high-quality living.

The project addresses housing needs by transforming a historic area into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. It fosters a sense of belonging and community, making it a model for future developments in the UK.